Québec Mega Trail : Nearly 200 athletes currently on the QMT-100 miles

Baie-Saint-Paul, July 5, 2024 – The departure of the legendary QMT-100 MILES was given at 8 PM sharp in a euphoric atmosphere enhanced by the absolutely bucolic decor of the Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix. Nearly 200 runners are therefore in action on the 160-kilometer course with 6,500 meters of elevation gain. They notably run the Sentier des Caps and the infamous Mestachibo before heading towards the Mont-Sainte-Anne for the final loop.

The winners could cross the finish line on Saturday July 6, starting around 3:30 PM.

QMT-100 MILES: an elite field stronger than ever 

It is impossible to predict who will take home the honors of the QMT-100 MILES this year: there are more elite athletes than in previous years and their sports resume is undoubtedly impressive. Among them, we find Abel Carretero (Spain – ITRA 886) who finished fourth in the premier event of the Transgrancanaria earlier this year, and Luis Fernandes (Portugal – ITRA 867), sixth in the 115 km of MIUT 2024. Quebecers Elliot Cardin (ITRA 804), UTHC 125 km champion in 2022, Jean-François Cauchon (ITRA 804), second on the QMT-100 MILES in 2019, and Philippe Poulin (ITRA 705), third on this event last year, are also ones to watch. 

Among the women, Quebecer Mylène Sansoucy (ITRA 678), who takes on the QMT-100 MILES for the very first time, could surprise. Claire Bannwarth (France – ITRA 721), who is nicknamed the “Duduracell rabbit” and who has completed no less than 28 ultras in 2023, seemed to have a more difficult start to the race than expected.

Record holders are back!

All these athletes have to give everything since the two course record holders for men and women, the Nepalese Sangé Sherpa (ITRA 839) and the Newfoundlander Kelsey Hogan (ITRA 643), are both defending their title this year.

“The Québec Mega Trail holds a special place in my heart: this event has helped me to grow as an athlete and I look forward to returning to the beautiful trails and supportive community this year. I am thrilled that QMT is attracting even more incredible athletes and getting well-deserved international recognition, all while staying true to its community-driven history and grassroots values. This is going to be a fun year!,” Kelsey Hogan says.

What to watch this weekend

• • 3,500 runners at the start of the 10 events from 1km to 160 km; see the complete schedule here.

• Important changes among elite runners: the Swiss sportswoman Maude Mathys (Switzerland – ITRA 805), five-time European mountain running champion, will be at work on the QMT-32, rather than the QMT-25. Alyssa Clark (United States – ITRA 699) will take part in the QMT-110 rather than the QMT-100 MILES.
• Québec Mega Trail is now part of the World Trail Majors, meaning that  the QMT-100 MILES will allow runners to score points in the international WTM rankings this weekend. Among the participants, Abel Carretero (Spain) and Ferdinand Airault (France), in 4th and 6th place respectively in the WTM rankings, are certainly ones to watch.